K C Mohanty, Newton Higher Secondary School of Science and Technology, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
From a young age, numbers held a special meaning for K. C. Mohanty. While other children saw math as a subject, he saw it as a language – one that could explain patterns, solve problems, and even build a better world. His fascination with mathematics grew stronger with time, guiding him through an MSc and a PhD in the subject. But for Mohanty, academic success was never the final goal – he was driven by a larger vision.
To bring this vision to life, Mohanty founded Newton Higher Secondary School of Science and Technology in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in 2009 with only 16 students. The school is more than an institution – it is a reflection of his commitment to serve society through education. By prioritizing students from underserved communities, he continues to shape a legacy where knowledge becomes a tool for transformation.
Founding Newton Higher Secondary School
Mohanty was inspired by the words of Swami Chidanand: “Our life is not just for ourselves; we need to serve society.” These words remained with him, guiding his purpose as an educator. “If you are a doctor, help the patient in need. If you have wealth, donate. Similarly, if you are a teacher, serve the students,” he often says.
The beginning was modest, with limited funds and resources. But his focus was always on the students – especially those who lacked support. Even today, he continues to teach students for free, ensuring that financial difficulties do not come in the way of learning.
A Personal Struggle That Sparked a Mission
Mohanty’s commitment to education is also rooted in his own experiences. As a student, he faced many difficulties in continuing his studies. That experience became his motivation.
“I faced many hardships to pursue my education. I want to ensure that no student under my care goes through the same,” he says.
Today, Newton School educates over 430 students across two branches. Most of these students have gone on to top institutions like the IITs and are now working in professional fields. Every year, Mohanty personally supports the education of students who are unable to afford tuition fees.
Collaborating with Varthana to Enhance Infrastructure
As the school expanded, Mohanty partnered with Varthana to improve infrastructure and teaching quality.
“Varthana played a crucial role in our growth. Their funding helped us strengthen our facilities, adopt better teaching methods, and support our staff,” he shared.
With this partnership, the school upgraded its classrooms, expanded resources, and created a more effective learning environment for both students and teachers.
Also read: Successful School Leaders’ Journeys With Varthana
However, Mohanty’s work is far from over. With rising student numbers, he now aims to develop a state-of-the-art campus that has modern classrooms, a well-stocked library, and advanced science labs with Varthana’s support. These facilities will help to nurture a robust learning environment, helping students to excel in their studies. Additionally, he plans to provide a complete academic experience and help more students gain admission into tier-1 and tier-2 universities.
“I plan to support students so that economic barriers do not hinder their academic growth,” he says with commitment.
Wrap-Up
Mohanty’s journey from a curious student in Bhubaneswar to a respected educator is a reminder that quality education begins with dedication and purpose. At Newton Higher Secondary School, he is not just running a school but shaping futures. With support from organisations like Varthana, which helped improve infrastructure and teaching quality, he continues to create opportunities for students to dream, learn, and succeed, regardless of their financial background.
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